Mutations are the basis over evolution providing genetic diversity to allow for the survival of the most fit. Modern technology allows for the comparison of parental genomes to their children. With this comparison mutation rates can be calculated and used to understand human biology. “The researchers estimate that every human has nearly 200 new genetic changes that are different from either parent” (University of Utah Health). Further investigation shows that parts of the human genome change much faster than known. "To get a complete, high-resolution picture of genetic variation over time, the team sequenced each person's DNA using multiple different technologies"(ScienceDaily). Parts of the human genome previously thought to be unchanging are changing at rapid rates.
This doesn’t just affect research but medical care as well. Genetic counselors now must adjust their probabilities considering this randomness. If a child is found to be afflicted was it inherited, or a mutation and if it was a mutation is it now inheritable to their offspring? With this research and sequencing results made publicly available for further exploration a lot more genetic findings can now be discovered.
Image from ScienceDaily
This could really change how genetic counseling works, especially when determining if a condition is inherited or a new mutation.
ReplyDeleteIt is certainly interesting that human genes are mutating faster than previously thought. This certainly is important in genetic counseling. You mentioned that certain genomes were mutating rapidly. I wonder why they are changing more quickly than other genomes.
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